Cape Town South Africa

Unfortunately we’ve had some muggings on the mountain slopes (Table Mountain) ,Signal Hill and Lion’s Head where hikers go for walks. Cape Town Routes Unlimited (our official destination marketing association), in conjunction with Cape Town Tourism (our official tourism association) has worked on contingency plans for an awareness campaign among tourists and to roll out additional security staff on the hiking routes.

Things that you can do to avoid the worst:

• Never walk alone on the mountain.
• Do not take your passport and too much cash.
• Be vigilant and make sure you park your car where security guards are visible.
• Do not walk in the dark if you’re not with a tour group (e.g. for sunset walks etc).

Closed circuit television has been installed at certain points to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic to the mountain parks, but obiously it’s a large area to patrol.There are annually many thousands of people visiting the Table Mountain national parks incident free, so just like any city in the world, look after yourself and your belongings.

I’ll write an update if there is any more news about this.

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The best time of the year to visit Cape Town is during the summer season, starting late October to March. Personally I find February to be my favorite time of the year. If you don’t like too many people around and prefer to travel less congested, come in January - March. There is still beautiful weather, but less people. Also less parties, so if you’re young and restless, come in December. There are literally thousands of parties happening every weekend with the best SA DJ’s on the scene.

During the early winter months (April - June) many visitors base themselves in Cape Town for trips up the Southern Cape (Garden Route tours). During this time, the Garden Route has wonderfully sunny weather, great attractions, which are all too many to mention and nice warm water to swim in.

So there you have it, best time to visit Cape Town is probably November - April, with February being my personal choice, weather wise and January recommended for travellers wanting more peace and quite yet still the feel of holiday around SA.

Allot of buzz has been going on around expats coming back to South Africa and especially Cape Town. On the local talk radio station Cape Talk presenters interviewed a string of expats that returned to Cape Town and most of them were glad to be back. It seems the grass is not always greener on the other side, allthough general consensus is that the money is better. There is a really positive vibe going on in South Africa and the economy is looking up. Opportunities are arising and that is also a contributing factor to the surge in homecoming.

More information on expats and the homecoming revolution.

Most golf packages in Cape Town include a trip to Erinvale Golf Estate in Somerset West. About 45 minutes drive from Cape Town, in the heart of the Cape winelands, this beautiful Parklands Golf Course (with golf property) was designed by Gary Player, one of South Africa’s most famous golfing exports.

Erinvale was host to the 1996 World Cup of Golf in which 32 nations competed. The par 72 championship course also boasts a signature hole on the 17th with elevated tee and long downhill finish. The course is open for members only on Thursdays and Weekends and otherwise open all other days.

In December and January it’s only open to guests of the Erinvale Hotel & Spa, so make sure to treat yourself to a true golf break in Cape Town. Click on the hotel link for more information.

When quoted about the course, Gary player said: ” As you play through the back nine holes, you climb dramatically up the mountain to enjoy the spectacular view. The sea in the distance and the many wineries for which the Cape is famous are further attractions … I think this will be one of the best golf courses in South Africa .”

Many tourists ask us about public transport in Cape Town and what options there are. Well, first of all, our tourist attractions are located all over our beautiful province, so we usually recommend that travellers rent a car for the duration of their stay. Rates are usually cheap and ranges from around R150 per day for your entry level car and up. We recommend getting a car with air conditioning during the summer months (October - April).

Cape Town travel is quite easy and a good map book of Cape Town is essential. Travel guides are readily available at most hotels and guest houses in Cape Town.

Taxis are available throughout Cape Town. We recommend using city bound taxis (usually cars) and not using minibus taxis as their driving ability (or should we sometimes say disability) leaves room for improvement. We will find out some telephone numbers for taxi companies in Cape Town and post them here soon. Rates start from around R7-8 per kilometer and is on par if not cheaper than international rates.

There are also shuttle services from Cape Town International Airport if you choose to use them. Check our site regularly for updates on these.

All in all your travel experience in Cape Town should go without a hitch. Remember to drive on the left side of the road!

If you haven’t totally fried yourself to a crisp this past weekend, here are a few useful tips when going to the beach in Cape Town.

• Go early! If you get to the beach after 11am, you’re going to battle to find parking.
• Take an umbrella or beach tent.
• Take sunblock of factor 30 or above.
• Try and minimise time in the sun between 10am and 3pm.
• Take a cooler bag with some cold water for rehydration.
• Don’t leave your valuables unattended on the beach, rather take turns to swim.
• Please do not consume alcohol on the beach, it’s against the law (or don’t make it obvious .
• Swim in the designated areas pointed out by the lifeguards.
• Please do no litter on the beach!